The bitter winds in February were sometimes called the First East Winds, but the longing for spring somehow made them seem more piercing.

The truth of the scholar, alone in his study, does not always accord with what the world at large considers to be true.

Think what you like. There are people who die by remaining alive and others who gain life by dying.

The world is a stone wall ... and they have put the stones so close together that there is not a single crack through which one may enter.

Not only must a warrior be strong with his bow, but he must have a heart full of pity for all living creatures.

It is easy to crush an enemy outside oneself but impossible to defeat an enemy within.

Oh, you crows! Feast away! What a spread! Soup straight from the eye sockets! And thick red sake! But don't have too much Or you'll surely get drunk.